Quarterback Griffin Helm and the Creeks Outlaws take the field for practice in Plantation Park, Florida, approximately 15 miles southeast of Interstate 295,. For months, they prepared to bring the 2013 Pop Warner national championship trophy back to St. Johns County, a goal that they fell short of last season. On December 13, 2013, that goal was achieved. The Creeks Outlaws feature a roster of talented sixth- and seventh-grade boys competing in the PeeWee division. The PeeWee division typically consists of children aged nine-12 and weighing 75-120 pounds. The Creeks Outlaws finished their season undefeated with an overall record of 17-0. Coach Mike Hughes and the fans equally contributed to the success of the team.
“Coach Hughes is really good. He conditioned us, and prepared us for games. Our fans are very supportive,” says Helm. Helm is the complete package. He has an incredible arm, patience in the pocket, and he’s excellent in the option offense. Helm is the defensive coach’s nightmare. He’s the teammate who doesn’t care what position he plays as long as he’s on the field contributing, a characteristic that explains why he plays both sides of the ball.
At 5’5” and 105 pounds, Helm clocks 4.8 seconds in the 40. His decision-
making skills are far advanced for his age. His ability to read the middle linebacker, deciding if it’s best to run versus throw, is a skill Griffin has attained at only age 12. Helm’s hobbies include basketball, football and volleyball. In the offseason, he spends his time perfecting his craft with speed and agility coach Jerrian Sanders. The youngest of three children, Helm receives a lot of advice from older brothers Jacob, Jordan, and Grant. Balancing school with athletics is no problem for Helm. “As soon as I get home I do my homework,” he says. He has an overall grade point average of 3.8, which landed him on the Dean’s List at Swiss Point Middle School.
The Creek Outlaws got payback against the Tacolcy Red Raiders, winning 6-2, in Osceola, Florida, for the Division II Southeast regional championship, beating the team that defeated them last season in the same round. “The field seemed smaller than it actually was,” says Helm. In Lake Buena Vista, Florida, on December 7, 2013, the Creek Outlaws faced the Michigan City Wolves from Indiana. Down six points after being stopped on their first drive, the Creek Outlaws were faced with adversity. This was the first time all season an opposing team scored on them. Many questioned how they would respond. “We have to score next drive,” Helm says. And they did. The Creek Outlaws scored 38 points for a final score of 38-6. Helm is only in middle school, but his future is unimaginable. His ultimate goal is to play professional football in the National Football League. With Helm’s character, determination and work ethic, his dream is very attainable.
Favorites:
Food: Steak
Movie: Stepbrothers
Sports team: Jacksonville Jaguars and Florida Gators
Powerade or Gatorade: Powerade
Place to travel: California
Person to meet: Cam Newton
Superpower: Fly
Rising Star/JX/March 2014
Griffin Helm
Creeks Outlaws
Jacksonville, FL
Allen Young Jr.
“Leaders come in many shapes, sizes and age”
